Japan has deployed long-range missiles near China, a move that puts parts of the Chinese mainland within striking range as regional tensions escalate.
TOKYO: Japan has deployed long-range missiles in its southwestern region near China. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed the deployment on Tuesday as bilateral ties with Beijing reach a low point.
The surface-to-ship guided missile system was installed in Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu. This system has an operational range of approximately 1,000 kilometres.
This places major Chinese cities like Shanghai, which lies about 900 kilometres away, within potential reach. Koizumi stated the deployment strengthens Japan’s deterrence and response capabilities.
“Standoff defense capabilities enable us to counter the threat of enemy forces attempting to invade our country… while ensuring the safety of our personnel,” said Koizumi.
He added that this is an extremely important initiative for strengthening Japan’s deterrence. The move is part of a broader effort to shore up military capacity.
This comes as China increases its naval activity in the East China Sea. Japan has also deployed a “hyper velocity gliding projectile” in Shizuoka prefecture.
This system is designed to defend remote islands from enemy forces. Japan’s military policy has long been strictly for self-defence.
In recent years, Tokyo has steadily built its defence capacity. This is in response to increased military activities by China, Russia, and North Korea.
In 2022, Japan approved a plan to deploy missiles with counter-attack capability. A defence white paper last year warned of the growing missile threat.
“If we continue to rely solely on ballistic missile defence… it will become increasingly difficult to fully address the threat” of advanced missiles, the document stated.
China is engaged in several territorial disputes in the region. This includes a longstanding dispute with Japan over the Senkaku Islands, known as the Diaoyu in China.
Relations further soured after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hinted Tokyo could intervene militarily in any attack on Taiwan. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force.
Critics argue deploying missiles could make the area a target for enemy attacks. Local media reported the missile launcher was delivered to Kumamoto without warning communities.
This prompted dozens of opponents to stage a protest in front of a local military base earlier this month. The deployment marks a significant shift in Japan’s defensive posture.
